MLB News

Worth noting

By
Mark BowmanMLB.com

• Juan Francisco improved his bid to win the starting third-base job by hitting an opposite-field home run in the seventh inning of Thursday's loss to the Tigers. Known as a pull hitter, Francisco has consistently hit the ball the other way while hitting .370 (10-for-27) with two doubles and two home runs this spring.

• Jonny Venters has made three consecutive scoreless appearances since allowing two runs in his exhibition season debut. Venters allowed two one-out singles and committed a balk before escaping Thursday night's sixth inning unscathed.

• Juan Francisco improved his bid to win the starting third-base job by hitting an opposite-field home run in the seventh inning of Thursday's loss to the Tigers. Known as a pull hitter, Francisco has consistently hit the ball the other way while hitting .370 (10-for-27) with two doubles and two home runs this spring.

• Jonny Venters has made three consecutive scoreless appearances since allowing two runs in his exhibition season debut. Venters allowed two one-out singles and committed a balk before escaping Thursday night's sixth inning unscathed.

• The starting outfielders will be part of the split-squad game against the Blue Jays on Friday, and the starting infielders will travel across town as part of the split-squad team that will play the Astros.